News & Commentary Straight from Think HQ

In 2017, Think HQ was contracted by Jean Hailes, an Australian women’s health not-for-profit, to provide strategic communications support for the launch and promotion of the Jean Hailes Women’s Health survey.

The survey was completed by over 10,000 women, a 209% increase on the 3,236 responses in 2016 and 125% to the 2017 target of 7,500 participants. 17 organisations provided in-kind support by sharing internally and/or externally including Mamamia, Optus, Medibank and Woolworths.

Nothing is stronger than hearing someone’s personal experience to highlight the importance of an issue and make a message hit home.

Putting a human face (a case study) to the topic helps frame the issue, entice the journalist and often has a powerful impact on readers. However, sourcing someone with a compelling story, who is prepared to talk about their experience is often easier said than done.

It often takes courage to share a personal experience and while you may know of someone who is happy to tell their story publically, the process of doing a media interview can still be a daunting one. Your case study will most likely have little (if any) experience with the media, and may not understand what the process will involve.

Over the years, we’ve worked with many clients to raise awareness about various social causes where case study management was crucial to media engagement. Below are a few tips that will help you manage the process smoothly.

We’ve combed through the Federal Government’s Community Business Partnership's new 2016 Giving Australia report released this month, to share with you some of our top takeaways and recommendations to help your NFP grow in the new year.

Explore digital giving

The report finds that the most effective ways to ask for a donation are through door knock appeals, telephone, mail or letterbox drop, and street fundraising. The least effective is TV.

Though not necessarily a substitute for other methods, online technology that makes giving easier for the donor is on the rise, and can be a valuable tool to support a NFP’s fundraising.

An increasing number of donors are engaging with crowdfunding technologies as they can directly engage with the cause they care about. NFPs should explore digital fundraising tactics, including online campaigns that utilise established crowdfunding platforms.

Keep your donors in the loop

Outcome reporting is important to donors, but they just don’t just want...

2016 has been a big year in politics. The US election, Brexit, and the European refugee crisis have led to global discussion about issues of immigration, discrimination and disengagement with government. So how are people feeling in Australia?

The Scanlon Foundation’s 2016 Mapping Social Cohesion Report provided a unique insight into local views on issues affecting our social cohesion. For the fifth year running, Think HQ worked with the Scanlon Foundation on the national launch of the report.

Our work involved:

Arranging pre-launch Ministerial briefings

Managing the national stakeholder launch in Melbourne, attended by 260 guests

Last night I had the pleasure of hosting and moderating a panel event for more than 70 PR and communication students, from universities across Victoria. Joining me on the panel were three incredible speakers, Chris Burns, Fiona McGregor and Alex Lefley, who told students what to expect in your first few years in the communication industry. Their stories, tips and advice were great and probably things we can all relate to.

Here are my top ten takeaways from the night.

1. University will not prepare you for work life

Full time work will be a shock to your system. While universities will arm you with skills and knowledge, you will most likely have little idea of what you’re doing when working on your first few projects. Understand that the first few months will be particularly challenging, and that is completely normal. Do your best.

2. Learn how to be an active listener

You might think you have the answers and know the best way to do things, but you probably don’t. In the first...